SB 999 Hawaii Senate · 2026 Regular Session

RELATING TO FIREWORKS.

Summary

Repeals all permissible uses of consumer fireworks by minors. Establishes civil penalties for the use and sale of consumer fireworks, including nuisance abatement proceedings and forfeiture of assets used in the commission of the illegal use or sale of consumer fireworks. Appropriates funds to the Department of Law Enforcement to provide for community safety education programs. Effective 7/1/2077. (SD1)

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Feb 2025

Senate Passage

Feb 2025

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 17, 2025 Last action Dec 8, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

SB999 → SB999_SD1 · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was updated to reflect a new version (SD1) that shifts the policy from a total ban on consumer fireworks to a restriction specifically targeting minors. It removes the complete prohibition on fireworks, reinstates specific time windows for legal use, and adjusts civil penalties and fund distribution while appropriating money for community safety education.

Scope change

The bill's scope changed from prohibiting all consumer fireworks to restricting their sale and use primarily by minors, while allowing adult use during specific permitted times.

SCOPE

The total ban on consumer fireworks was removed; the law now permits use during specific times (New Year's Eve, Chinese New Year's Day, and July 4th) and for cultural events, but prohibits use by minors.

ELIGIBILITY

The primary restriction on fireworks use and purchase is now explicitly limited to minors, rather than applying to the general public.

FISCAL

The Firework Forfeiture Special Fund was replaced with direct appropriations to the Department of Law Enforcement for community safety education programs.

ENFORCEMENT

Civil penalties were increased from $500 to $1,000 for minors, and the distribution of fine revenue was changed from a split between State and County to 50/50, with forfeiture proceeds going entirely to the General Fund.

TIMELINE

The effective date of the Act was changed from immediate approval to July 1, 2077.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Feb 14, 2025

Upper · Passed

Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM/JDC.

upper

Feb 14, 2025

Committee

Reported from PSM/CPN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 551) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM/JDC.

upper

Feb 11, 2025

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on CPN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in CPN were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Keohokalole, Fukunaga, Richards; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) McKelvey, Awa.

upper

Feb 10, 2025

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on PSM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in PSM were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Elefante, Wakai, Fukunaga, Rhoads; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 1 No(es): Senator(s) DeCorte; and 0 Excused: none.

upper

Jan 31, 2025

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on PSM/CPN has scheduled a public hearing on 02-05-25 9:30AM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference.

upper

Jan 23, 2025

Committee

Referred to PSM/CPN, WAM/JDC.

upper

Jan 17, 2025

Introduced

Introduced.

upper

3 primary · 1 co-sponsor